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Lithuania temporarily closes Vilnius Airport after several dozen smuggling balloons from Belarus crossed its airspace overnight, officials said on October 22. Thirteen balloons reportedly flew toward the airport, delaying around 30 flights. Authorities recovered five balloons and arrested one suspect carrying 7,000 packs of contraband cigarettes. In response, Lithuania also shut two border checkpoints—Medininkai and Šalčininkai—though traffic there was minimal and no related incidents were reported. The breach has heightened regional security concerns.
Monday, 20 October, 2025